Included in the collection are academy correspondence, minutes (1912-1981) programs, writings, and several miscellaneous items. In order to obtain easier access to the collection, three similar collections, the Charles W. Davis Papers, the James J. Friauf Papers and the Tennessee Academy of Science Papers were combined to form this collection. The bulk of the collection consists of photographs, primarily archaeological in nature. They deal primarily with Mound Builders and Native American artifacts. The minutes include revisions in the constitution and by-laws, treasurer's reports, clippings, and programs, as well as minutes of the Executive Committee. In addition, there are annual reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, 1914-1925, correspondence, announcements, programs, legislative acts, and some records concerning the Reelfoot Lake Biological Station.